A randomized trial of 5 versus 7 French guiding catheters for transfemoral percutaneous coronary stent implantation.

Comparative studies between 5 French guiding catheter and others of larger size using the transfemoral approach to coronary stenting have not been described. Coronary stent implantation was performed in 90 patients in a randomized trial. The primary end-point was to compare the incidence of successful uncomplicated stent implantation per lesion with the 5F and 7F guiding catheters. Patients were excluded for excessive vessel tortuosity or anticipated need for equipment not fitting through a 5 catheter. Baseline characteristics and the use of direct stenting did not differ between the two groups. The primary success rate was 97.8% per patient in both groups and 98% per lesion in the 5 French and 97.9% in the 7 French. Guiding catheter change was necessary in 1 patient in each group to successfully complete the procedure in both groups. The amount of contrast used was 63 +/- 27.3 mL in the 5 French and 76 +/- 25 mL in the 7 French groups (P < 0.05). Vascular complications and blood transfusions occurred somewhat more frequently in the 7 French group (P = 0.058). The manual compression time after sheath removal was 5.1 +/- 2.0 min and 8.0 +/- 4.3 min, respectively, in the 5 and 7 French groups (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the 5 French guiding catheters showed a similar success rate with coronary stenting when compared to the 7 French, but the amount of contrast used and manual compression time after sheath removal, as well as the rate of vascular and bleeding complications, were reduced in the 5 French group.

Mitral valve replacement with chordae tendineae preservation, traction and fixation in end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating results of mitral valve replacement using a new technique of complete chordae tendineae adjustment for left ventricular remodeling. METHODS: Twenty end-stage idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with severe functional mitral valve regurgitation underwent mitral valve replacement. Seventeen (85%) were in functional class IV. Both anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve were divided to obtain 4 pillars of chordae tendineae. These were displaced with traction toward the left atrium and anchored between the mitral annulus and a valvular prosthesis. To evaluate the left ventricular remodeling, Doppler echocardiography was performed. For statistical analysis, variance analysis and the Friedman's test were employed. RESULTS: Two (10%) early deaths occurred. Kaplan-Meyer showed survival at one year post-operative was 85%, 2 years it was 44%, at 3 years 44%, at 4 years 44% and at 5 years it was 44%. In the 48- and 54-month follow-ups, the McNemar test showed improvement in the functional class (p<0.001). In the third month of follow-up, variance analysis showed improvement in the ejection fraction (p=0.008) and reductions of the end diastolic diameter (p=0.038), end systolic diameter (p=0.008), end systolic volume (p=0.029) and end diastolic volume (p=0.009). No statistical differences were noted in the systolic volume. Comparing pre-operative and third- and six-month follow-ups, the Friedman test showed no statistical differences for all studied variables. Variance analyses between pre, three-month and final evaluations showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: This technique of mitral valve replacement improved the left ventricle ejection fraction and decreased the end diastolic and systolic diameters and the end systolic diastolic volumes up to the third month of follow-up. From then on the variables stabilized.

Dynamic regulation of MTHFR mRNA expression and C677T genotype modulate mortality in coronary artery disease patients after revascularization.

INTRODUCTION: A large body of evidence links plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations and cardiovascular disease. A common MTHFR polymorphism (C677T) leads to a variant with reduced activity and associated with increased Hcy levels. Coronary surgery precipitates a significant and sustained increase in the blood concentrations of Hcy and elevated levels of plasma Hcy have been associated to saphenous vein (SV) graft disease after CABG. However, the effects of MTHFR genotypes in the incidence of cardiovascular events after CABG have not been investigated prospectively. Here, we investigate whether MTHFR gene variants are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk in individuals submitted to CABG. We also propose a molecular mechanism to explain our findings. METHODS: We performed MTHFR C677T genotypes in 558 patients with two or three vessel-disease and normal left ventricular function prospectively followed in the MASS II Trial, a randomized study to compare treatments for multivessel CAD and preserved left ventricle function. Follow-up time was 5 years. Survival curves were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and evaluated with the log-rank statistic. We assessed the relationship between baseline variables and the composite end-point of death, myocardial infarction and refractory angina using a Cox proportional hazards survival model. Finally, using an ex-vivo organ culture we have reproduced the arterialization of SV implants by culturing human SV either under venous hemodynamic condition (flow: 5 mL/min; no pressure) or arterial hemodynamic condition (flow: 50 mL/min; pressure: 80 mm Hg) for 1 day. MTHFR gene expression was quantified by real time RT-PCR in 15 SV from different individuals in both experimental conditions. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among individuals within each genotype group for baseline clinical characteristics. A statistically significant association between the TT genotype, associated with increased serum levels of Hcy, and cardiovascular mortality after 5 years was verified (p=0.007) in individuals submitted to CABG surgery. In addition, MTHFR TT genotype was still significantly associated with a 4.4 fold increased risk in cardiovascular outcomes (p=0.01) even after adjustment of a Cox multivariate model for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and number of diseased vessels in this population. Finally, a significant reduction in MTHFR gene expression was demonstrated in human SV when submitted to an arterial hemodynamic condition (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is a dynamic regulation of MTHFR gene expression during the arterialization process of human saphenous vein grafts resulting in lower levels of gene expression when in an arterial hemodynamic condition. In addition, the C677T MTHFR functional variant is associated with a worse outcome in individuals submitted to CABG. Taken together, these data suggest an important role of Hcy metabolism in individuals after CABG.

Trimetazidine to reverse ischemia in patients with class I or II angina: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography study.

AIMS: We sought to evaluate the effects of trimetazidine on ischemia induced by dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography in patients with class I or class II angina. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 66 patients with proved coronary disease were subjected to dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography. Ischemia was proved in 56 patients who were included in the study and who had been on standard maintenance medications (propranolol, aspirin and statin). They were randomized to placebo or trimetazidine, 20 mg three times daily for a 12-week period, when dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography was repeated. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (56.53+/-8.9 years old) completed the study. No differences were seen between groups at entry. Thirty patients had class I and 26 class II angina. At the end of the study, 42 had class I and 14 class II angina (P=0.01), owing to patients being in the trimetazidine arm. We did not observe any differences between groups either for onset time of ventricular ischemic dysfunction, or for wall-motion score index. Comparing variation at peak using the delta wall-motion score index, we observed no differences, but only a trend toward reduction favoring trimetazidine (P=0.09). CONCLUSION: We did not detect a significant anti-ischemic effect of trimetazidine in patients with mild angina, but there was a clear improvement in angina class.

Substituição da valva mitral com tração dos músculos papilares em pacientes com miocardiopatia dilatada / Mitral valve replacement with chordae tendineae preservation, traction and fixation in end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a geometria e a função do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) após a troca mitral com tração e fixação dos papilares, em portadores de insuficiência cardíaca terminal com insuficiência mitral secundária. MÉTODO: Dos 20 pacientes avaliados, 70 por cento eram homens, com idade média de 50,2 anos e 55 por cento recebiam inotrópicos. A fração de ejeção (FEVE) foi menor que 30 por cento em todos; 85 por cento estavam em classe funcional (CF) IV. Dezoito receberam próteses de pericárdio bovino e dois, mecânicas. Os períodos considerados foram: 3, 6, 12 e 18 meses. As variáveis consideradas: volume sistólico do VE (VS), a FEVE, os diâmetros sistólico e diastólico finais (DSF e DDF) e os volumes sistólico e diastólico finais (VSF e VDF). No estudo estatístico, empregou-se da análise de variância (AV) e o teste de Friedmann (F). A sobrevida foi aferida pelo método de Kaplan-Meyer. RESULTADOS: Dois (10 por cento) faleceram no período imediato. A sobrevida no primeiro ano foi de 85 por cento, no segundo, 44 por cento, no terceiro, 44 por cento, no quarto, 44 por cento e no quinto, 44 por cento. A comparação entre pré e 3 meses, empregando-se a AV, não revelou alteração significativa para o VS (p=0,086). Houve acréscimo da FEVE (p=0,008) e decréscimo do DDF (p=0,038); do DSF (p=0,008); do VDF (p=0,029) e do VSF (p=0,009). Os momentos pré, 3 e 6 meses, com o teste F, não revelaram alterações. Entre os momentos pré, 3 meses e final, empregando-se a AV, não houve significância. CONCLUSÃO: Há melhora da FEVE, dos VDF, VSF, DDF e DSF; até o terceiro mês. A partir de então, as variáveis permanecem estáveis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating results of mitral valve replacement using a new technique of complete chordae tendineae adjustment for left ventricular remodeling. METHODS: Twenty end-stage idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with severe functional mitral valve regurgitation underwent mitral valve replacement. Seventeen (85 percent) were in functional class IV. Both anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve were divided to obtain 4 pillars of chordae tendineae. These were displaced with traction toward the left atrium and anchored between the mitral annulus and a valvular prosthesis. To evaluate the left ventricular remodeling, Doppler echocardiography was performed. For statistical analysis, variance analysis and the Friedman's test were employed. RESULTS: Two (10 percent) early deaths occurred. Kaplan-Meyer showed survival at one year post-operative was 85 percent, 2 years it was 44 percent, at 3 years 44 percent, at 4 years 44 percent and at 5 years it was 44 percent. In the 48- and 54-month follow-ups, the McNemar test showed improvement in the functional class (p<0.001). In the third month of follow-up, variance analysis showed improvement in the ejection fraction (p=0.008) and reductions of the end diastolic diameter (p=0.038), end systolic diameter (p=0.008), end systolic volume (p=0.029) and end diastolic volume (p=0.009). No statistical differences were noted in the systolic volume. Comparing pre-operative and third- and six-month follow-ups, the Friedman test showed no statistical differences for all studied variables. Variance analyses between pre, three-month and final evaluations showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: This technique of mitral valve replacement improved the left ventricle ejection fraction and decreased the end diastolic and systolic diameters and the end systolic diastolic volumes up to the third month of follow-up. From then on the variables stabilized.

Trimetazidine to reverse ischemia in patients with class I or II angina: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dobutamine–atropine stress echocardiography study / Trimetazidine to reverse ischemia in patients with class I or II angina: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dobutamine–atropine stress echocardiography study

Aims We sought to evaluate the effects of trimetazidine on ischemia induced by dobutamine–atropine stress echocardiography in patients with class I or class II angina. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled study, 66 patients with proved coronary disease were subjected to dobutamine–atropine stress echocardiography. Ischemia was proved in 56 patients who were included in the study and who had been on standard maintenance medications (propranolol, aspirin and statin). They were randomized to placebo or trimetazidine, 20mg three times daily for a 12-week period, when dobutamine–atropine stress echocardiography was repeated. Results Fifty-two patients (56.53 ±8.9 years old) completed the study. No differences were seen between groups at entry. Thirty patients had class I and 26 class II angina. At the end of the study, 42 had class I and 14 class II angina (P =0.01), owing to patients being in the trimetazidine arm. We did not observe any differences between groups either for onset time of ventricular ischemic dysfunction, or for wall-motion score index.

Noninvasive evaluation of left circumflex coronary aneurysm by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

The diagnosis of coronary aneurysms has already been described using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. In the present report we demonstrated the use of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography for the diagnosis of a large left circumflex coronary aneurysm. The improved spatial resolution of this new imaging technique provided valuable information for anatomic characterization of the coronary aneurysm, allowing for distinction between the lumen and lining thrombus. The findings were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography.

Contrast echocardiography can save nondiagnostic exams in mechanically ventilated patients.

Patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) under mechanical ventilation (MV) are very difficult to image by transthoracic echocardiography, diminishing the beneficial information that could be obtained by this noninvasive approach. The objective of this study is to assess whether the addition of a contrast agent to fundamental imaging (FI) can improve or change the initial diagnosis in cardiac postoperative patients under mechanical ventilation by enhancing endocardial border delineation and Doppler flow signal. Thirty mechanically ventilated post-cardiac surgery patients (20 men, mean age 61 +/- 13 years) were evaluated with FI before and after intravenous injection of contrast. Left ventricular endocardial border delineation score index (EBDSI), estimated left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and color and spectral Doppler were analyzed. The use of contrast resulted in a significant increase in the number of well-delineated segments, with a salvage rate of 77% of nondiagnostic studies. EBDSI was 1.62 +/- 0.61, before contrast, increasing to 2.05 +/- 0.53 after it (P < 0.001). There was a change in the LVEF estimation in 5 exams, and a new wall motion abnormality was detected in other 4 exams, after the use of contrast. Moreover, a significant change was observed in the quantification of mitral regurgitation in 5 patients, in the aortic transvalvular peak gradient in 1 patient, and measurement of tricuspid regurgitation peak flow velocity in 8 patients. It is concluded that in cardiac postoperative patients under mechanical ventilation, intravenous injection of a contrast agent using FI resulted in a high salvage rate of studies and changed the initial diagnosis in a significant number of patients.

Non-invasive assessment of right ventricular function in the late follow-up of the Senning procedure.

Deteriorating ventricular function is a major concern after the Senning operation. A Doppler-derived non-geometric measurement, the so-called myocardial performance index, has been described for use in adults and children. We aimed to assess the utility of this index as a method for quantification of right ventricular function in patients in the late follow-up of the Senning procedure, and to correlate the right ventricular ejection fraction and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure as derived using echocardiography with the ejection fraction determined using magnetic resonance imaging. We studied 44 patients within a mean postoperative period of 15.3 years. We calculated the right ventricular myocardial performance index by pulsed wave Doppler interrogation of tricuspid inflow and aortic outflow, the ejection fraction by Simpson's rule, and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure by continuous wave Doppler from tricuspid regurgitation. Mean values of right ventricular myocardial performance index, ejection fraction, and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure were 0.50, 39 percent and 1,398 millimetres of mercury per second, respectively. A cut-off value of 0.47 for the right ventricle myocardial performance index was determined, with a sensitivity of 75 percent and a specificity of 62.5 percent. We found no correlation between ejection fraction and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure as estimated by echocardiography and the ejection fraction as shown by magnetic resonance imaging (r2 equal to 0.29 and 0.04 respectively). We concluded, first, that patients with preserved right ventricular function had values for the right ventricular myocardial performance index lower than 0.47, and second, that ejection fraction and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure as determined echocardiographically did not correlate with values derived using magnetic resonance imaging.

Visualization of coronary arteries using intravenous contrast agent and real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography is a recently developed imaging technique that provides unique information on spatial geometry in real time. We described an asymptomatic patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy for whom 3-dimensional echocardiography was performed after intravenous injection of perfluorocarbon-filled microbubbles. It resulted in enhancement of the left ventricular endocardial border delineation and myocardial perfusion in the hypertrophic septum. A clear visualization of the entire course of the left anterior descending coronary artery and its septal perforator branches was obtained. This case illustrates the potential of real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography to improve the anatomic evaluation of coronary arteries, especially when combined with contrast agents.

Late coronary artery recanalization effects on left ventricular remodelling and contractility by magnetic resonance imaging.

AIMS: To assess the recanalization effects of post-myocardial infarction (MI) on left ventricular (LV) remodelling and contractility in relation to conservative therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-six patients with occluded infarct-related artery between 12 h and 14 days post-anterior MI were randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI group) or conservative therapy (no-PCI group). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at enrollment and after 6 months. The left ventricle was divided into infarct, adjacent, and remote segments. There was no difference in relation to LV volume between groups at the 6 month follow-up. Change in LV ejection fraction was favourable to the PCI group: 5.00% vs. -0.76%, P=0.012. Change in circumferential shortening (Ecc) of the remote segments in the PCI group was significantly better than in the no-PCI group: -1.67+/-6.30% vs. 0.29+/-6.02%, P<0.001. Infarct size and LV mass were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Late recanalization improved LV ejection fraction and myocardial contractility in late follow-up, but did not change the ventricular volumes. Improvement in the left ventricle global and regional contractility may benefit the long-term outcome in post-MI patients with sustained patency of the infarct-related artery.

Hand-carried ultrasound performed at bedside in cardiology inpatient setting - a comparative study with comprehensive echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) devices have been demonstrated to improve the diagnosis of cardiac diseases over physical examination, and have the potential to broaden the versatility in ultrasound application. The role of these devices in the assessment of hospitalized patients is not completely established. In this study we sought to perform a direct comparison between bedside evaluation using HCU and comprehensive echocardiography (CE), in cardiology inpatient setting. METHODS: We studied 44 consecutive patients (mean age 54 +/- 18 years, 25 men) who underwent bedside echocardiography using HCU and CE. HCU was performed by a cardiologist with level-2 training in the performance and interpretation of echocardiography, using two-dimensional imaging, color Doppler, and simple calliper measurements. CE was performed by an experienced echocardiographer (level-3 training) and considered as the gold standard. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in cardiac chamber dimensions and left ventricular ejection fraction determined by the two techniques. The agreement between HCU and CE for the detection of segmental wall motion abnormalities was 83% (Kappa = 0.58). There was good agreement for detecting significant mitral valve regurgitation (Kappa = 0.85), aortic regurgitation (kappa = 0.89), and tricuspid regurgitation (Kappa = 0.74). A complete evaluation of patients with stenotic and prosthetic dysfunctional valves, as well as pulmonary hypertension, was not possible using HCU due to its technical limitations in determining hemodynamic parameters. CONCLUSION: Bedside evaluation using HCU is helpful for assessing cardiac chamber dimensions, left ventricular global and segmental function, and significant valvular regurgitation. However, it has limitations regarding hemodynamic assessment, an important issue in the cardiology inpatient setting.

Value of myocardial contrast echocardiography for predicting left ventricular remodeling and segmental functional recovery after anterior wall acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the value of microvascular perfusion assessed by myocardial contrast echocardiography in predicting left ventricular remodeling after anterior wall acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: In 31 patients myocardial contrast echocardiography was performed up to 48 hours after acute myocardial infarction with determination of end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, wall-motion score index, and myocardial perfusion score index (MPSI) at rest and under dobutamine stress at 6 months. Patients were classified into remodeling group (RG) (n = 19) and non-RG (n = 12), and, according to number of segments without opacification, reflow (< or =2 segments, n = 15) and no-reflow (>2 segments, n = 16) groups. RESULTS: Wall-motion score index (1.84 +/- 0.22 vs 1.64 +/- 0.3; P =.049), MPSI (1.53 +/- 0.25 vs 1.26 +/- 0.17; P =.006), and number of segments without contrast (3.11 +/- 2.23 vs 1.08 +/- 1.38; P =.018) were higher in RG than in non-RG. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, and wall-motion score index, increased significantly in RG at 6 months and decreased in non-RG. MPSI increased in RG (1.53 +/- 0.25-1.66 +/- 0.21; P =.011) and was the only independent predictor of left ventricular remodeling (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.15-2.82; P =.010). No-reflow group presented 27.8 +/- 19.9% of segments with resting functional recovery or contractile reserve, and reflow group presented 69.9 +/- 31.2% (P <.001). CONCLUSION: MPSI obtained 48 hours after acute myocardial infarction is an independent predictor of left ventricular remodeling. Patients with two or fewer segments without opacification revealed a better prognosis of resting ventricular function and contractile reserve.

Effect of glycoprotein IIIa PlA2 polymorphism on outcome of patients with stable coronary artery disease and effect of smoking.

A polymorphism of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa has been associated with myocardial infarction and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. The influence on outcome and the interaction of the Pl(A1) genotype with classic risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) were characterized in patients with chronic CAD followed prospectively for 3 years. Pl(A1) genotypes were assessed in 592 patients enrolled in the Medical, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study II, a randomized trial comparing treatments for patients with CAD and preserved left ventricular function. The incidence of the composite end point of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and refractory angina requiring revascularization were determined in each genotype group. Risk was assessed with the Cox proportional-hazards model. The clinical characteristics and treatment of each genotype were similar. Although the composite end point tended to be more common in patients with the Pl(A2) allele, only smokers with the Pl(A2) allele had a significantly increased incidence of the composite end point (p = 0.01). Moreover, a 2.2-fold increased risk was apparent in smokers with the Pl(A2) allele (p = 0.03). Thus, taken together, these data provide support for the interaction effect between smoking and the Pl(A1) gene variant. Smokers with the Pl(A2) polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein IIIa are at greater risk for subsequent cardiac events in stable coronary disease.

Value of rapid beta-blocker injection at peak dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography for detection of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: We studied the value of a rapid beta-blocker injection at peak dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography (DASE) for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: The presence of tachycardia and hyperdynamic wall motion may make it difficult to recognize a new wall motion abnormality (NWMA) at peak stress. METHODS: We studied 101 patients (mean age 58.2 +/- 9.8 years) who underwent effective DASE and coronary angiography. All patients received a rapid intravenous injection of metoprolol immediately after peak DASE image acquisition. Positivity in combined peak plus post-metoprolol images was defined when there was only peak NWMA, maintenance of peak NWMA, or NWMA detected only after metoprolol injection. Significant CAD was defined as >or=50% stenosis by quantitative angiography. RESULTS: There were 37 patients without and 64 with CAD. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for the detection of CAD at peak stress were 84%, 92%, 87%, 95%, and 77%, respectively. Five patients with CAD had negative peak images that became positive only after metoprolol. Extension of peak NWMA during metoprolol was observed in 14 patients, and multivessel CAD was detected in 10 of them. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for peak plus metoprolol images were 92%, 89%, 91%, 94%, and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of metoprolol injected at peak of dobutamine infusion improved the detection of CAD by DASE.